PhD candidate in Future Satellite Systems

 

The University of Luxembourg seeks to hire outstanding researchers working towards a PhD degree, at its Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT). SnT is a centre carrying out interdisciplinary research in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) systems and services. SnT is active in several international research projects funded by the European Space Agency and the EU7th framework program. For further information, you may check: www.securityandtrust.lu, and https://wwwfr.uni.lu/snt/research/sigcom

The Centre is rapidly expanding its research activities and is seeking a highly motivate PhD candidate who wishes to contribute to its partnership and research projects. The main research area is on Satellite Communication Systems and requires a combination of mathematical tools as well as the capacity to develop demonstrators in laboratory environments using Software Defined Radio tools.

We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

Your Role

The successful candidate will join a strong and motivated research team led by Prof. Björn Ottersten and Dr. Symeon Chatzinotas in order to pursue the PhD degree in one or more of the following signal processing topics:

• Interference management in future satellite systems.
• Advanced beamforming and precoding in future satellite systems.
• AI/ML techniques.

The position holder will be required to perform the following tasks:

• Carrying out research in the predefined areas.
• Participating in research proposal drafting and project deliverables.
• Implementation of the developed algorithms on SDR platforms.
• Perform laboratory experimentation, validation, and testing.
• Disseminating results through scientific publications and conference presentations.
• Assisting in organization of relevant workshops and demos.

Your Profile

Qualification: The candidate should possess a Master in Engineering (M.E.) degree or equivalent in Engineering, Computer Science or Applied Mathematics.

Experience: The ideal candidate should have some knowledge and motivation in a number of the following topics:

• Digital Signal Processing
• Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems
• Wireless Systems
• Statistical signal processing
• FPGA/SDR experience is desirable.
• Microwave/RF design skills is an advantage

Language Skills: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

Here’s what awaits you at SnT

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 45 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, health insurance and subsidised living and eating
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more

But wait, there’s more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme
• Download the brochure: Why choose SnT for your PhD?

Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities.

In Short

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month - extendable up to 48 months if required
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL04513

Further Information

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Full CV, including list of publications and contact details of two referees
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words)
• All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

About the University of Luxembourg

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

Further information

Please contact us at:

Juan.Duncan@uni.lu

Symeon.Chatzinotas@uni.lu

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Postdoctoral Position Researching pesticide production networks in the global South

 

The Economic Geography Research Group at the Department of Geography, University of Zurich invites applications for a postdoctoral position to conduct research on pesticide production networks in the global South, with a focus on Argentina and/or China. The position is state-funded and will be integrated in a research project financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). There is close collaboration with scholars in an interdisciplinary network dedicated to global pesticide research. Further information: Pesticide Trade Lab Involvement in teaching and supervision on BA and MA level is expected.

You will be a member of the Economic Geography Unit in the thriving Human Geography Thematic Area. We combine STS/ANT and critical political economy to study uneven geographies of marketization, global commodity production, and financialization.

What we offer

The Economic Geography Unit forms part of the Human Geography Thematic Area in the Department of Geography, which hosts research groups working in diverse fields including political ecology, labor geographies, critical urban studies, development and geographies of education.
We are looking for highly motivated original young scholars, with a desire to consolidate a research career and with a passion for theoretically informed empirical research. In return we offer excellent working conditions, a stimulating environment and Zurich's high quality of life. As well as carrying out research in connection with the SNSF-funded pesticide research project, we will provide you with the opportunity to develop your own research and publications in preparation for the next stage of your academic career.

Your profile

The appointed candidate will:

• have completed a PhD in a relevant field (e.g. Human Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Ecology);
• show evidence of publishing in international journals;
• speak and write English fluently;
• have sufficient language skills in Chinese (Mandarin) and/or Spanish to conduct project-related fieldwork (e.g. conducting interviews)
• ideally have experience with corporate/company research in China and/or Latin America;
• have good interpersonal and team skills;
• value and contribute to diversity and inclusion.

Further information and application

The position is available for three years. Your application should include a curriculum vitae including a publication list, contact details for two referees (including e-mail addresses), a motivation statement relating to the position and degree transcripts.

Expected start date

Review of applications will commence from 30th November, with an expected start date in March 2022.

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PhD Student or Postdoc in neuroscience

 

We use signal-processing techniques and machine learning to develop biomarkers that can quickly and reliably detect epileptogenic brain tissue in intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings of epilepsy patients. In particular, High-Frequency Oscillations (HFO) have been recently established as promising biomarkers to guide epilepsy surgery. The research group offers advanced, interdisciplinary PhD training and participation in cutting-edge clinical neuroscience and neuroinformatics research projects together with Prof. Giacomo Indiveri and Prof. Johannes Sarnthein. We have broad expertise in acquiring and analyzing human electrophysiology recordings (Boran et al. 2019 Science Advances, Dimakopoulos et al. 2021 Brain Communications, Sharifshazileh et al. 2021 Nature Communications)..

Your responsibilities

You will be responsible for the computational and theoretical aspects of the project, which aims to find the optimal algorithms for identifying the biomarkers. This includes data curation and spiking neural networks. While a large body of data is already available, you will also participate in recordings of human iEEG and single neuron firing with an opportunity to interact with researchers from a variety of backgrounds.

Your profile

You have a master degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or related fields; knowledge in programming, time series analysis and machine learning; good written and spoken English; strong team-working abilities and excellent communication skills. Basic knowledge in neuroscience is beneficial. To speak with the surgery team some German would be a plus.

What we offer

The successful candidate will participate in the ZNZ doctoral program for additional theoretical/practical training and will receive a PhD from the Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich. The highly competitive salary follows Swiss National Science Foundation guidelines. Zurich is a highly attractive city in beautiful surroundings, with a multinational population, and many educational and recreational opportunities.

To apply, please send a single PDF file merged from the following parts: CV (with possible publications included), a copy of your academic transcript records, contact details of two references (e.g. MSc thesis supervisor), and a cover letter (maximum 1 page) with a description of your research interests and why you would be a suitable candidate for the project.

Place of work

You will spend time both at the Institute of Neuroinformatics and at the Neurosurgery Department of the University Hospital Zurich.

Start of employment

Applications will be considered until the position is filled. The position is available from Jan 1, 2022.

Apply

PhD position: Innovation strategies and policy approaches to support the transition to a clean energy system

 

Within the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 847585, ETH Zurich is offering a 36-month PhD position for an early-stage researcher (ESR) in the area of sustainable energy systems.

RESPONSE (GA No. 847585) «RESPONSE - to society and policy needs through plant, food and energy sciences» H2020-MSCA-COFUND-2018
ESR 28 Innovation strategies and policy approaches to support the transition to a clean energy systems

Job description

A coordinated effort is needed between the energy policy and energy technology domains to transform energy systems towards decarbonisation. Given the multiple policy objectives involved in this process and the complex nature of the energy system, appropriately designed policy mixes are expected to be more effective in addressing energy challenges compared to individual policy instruments. However, we currently lack methods that can design effective policy mixes, while also reflecting their effects on the energy system in terms of both system design and operation.

Therefore, for this project, we are looking for a talented doctoral candidate to work on developing methods for the co-design of policy mixes and energy system transformations. Energy system modelling will be the primary method used in the project and the student will investigate how individual energy technologies and sectors, policies, and their interactions can be best represented in a modelling environment. Finally, the developed method will be applied to a series of case studies corresponding to specific energy challenges.

A planned secondment of three months at the RWE Renewables GmbH in Essen (Germany) is part of this project. During this secondment, the student will have the opportunity to gain practical work experience and apply the developed methods to a market relevant for RWE Renewables. To achieve this, the student will be working closely with the project partner RWE Renewables during the entire project duration.

Anticipated outcomes of this project include a flexible method for the co-design of policy mixes and energy system transformations, as well as quantitative evidence on the effectiveness of policy mixes, especially when compared to individual policy instruments. The findings will be communicated in several academic papers and practitioner articles, and shared via social media (e.g., through blog posts).

Benefit

We are offering an interesting position at the interface of science and policy. While working in an international, interdisciplinary and innovative research environment at ETH Zurich, the ESR will be jointly supervised by Prof. Volker Hoffmann and Dr. Georgios Mavromatidis from the Group for Sustainability and Technology (SusTec, www.sustec.ethz.ch) at ETH Zurich, and by RWE Renewables GmbH.

The complete 36 months will be under a 100% working contract.

The PhD salary follows the regulations of ETH Zurich and will be according to EU regulations for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early-Stage Researchers. The monthly gross salary will not be lower than CHF 3920.

The successful candidate will be matriculated and will have a working contract at ETH Zurich. He/she will work in Switzerland. The secondment will take place in Essen (Germany).

Expected starting date of the working contract: 01.01.2022

Your profile

We are looking for a proactive and highly motivated candidate with a background in engineering, energy science, energy economics, physics, or similar, and a strong interest in energy technology, policy, and economics. In addition, you should have very good analytical skills, and demonstrable experience with quantitative modelling (energy system modelling and optimisation are an asset) and programming (Python, R, MATLAB, or similar). Professional writing and communication skills are also essential.

Eligibility: Early stage researcher in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers, including the period of research training, starting at the date of obtaining the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the initial training activities are provided.

At the time of recruitment (December 1, 2021) by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the reference date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

Language requirement: Proficient oral and written English skills are expected. German is a plus, but not necessary.

Main Research Field:  Energy science (interdisciplinary with a focus on energy technology and policy)

Sub Research Field: Energy system modelling

RESPONSE is open to applicants of any nationality.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Interested?

The application should contain the following documents:

• a single letter outlining your motivation a) to join the RESPONSE doctoral programme, b) to apply for this specific position (ESR 28), and c) to join the PhD Program Science and Policy
• a comprehensive tabular CV
• transcripts of records 

The deadline for applications is November 15, 2021. Please note that applications will be screened weekly, and the position can be filled earlier than November 15. Therefore, earlier applications are highly encouraged.

For questions and further information on the position, please contact Dr. Georgios Mavromatidis (gmavroma@ethz.ch), no applications.

Further information

Each ESR will be part of the RESPONSE Doctoral Programme (DP): «RESPONSE - to society and policy needs through plant, food and energy sciences» is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 847585. RESPONSE DP builds on the academic expertise of three world-leading institutions - ETH Zurich, University of Zurich and University of Basel. The successful candidate will be integrated in the research network and infrastructure of the internationally renowned competence center Energy Science Center.

All RESPONSE ESRs will follow the PSC PhD Program Science and Policy that is unique in its kind. Through the curriculum of this program, ESRs will be trained in the communication of scientific evidence to policymakers and the public; the involvement of different stakeholder groups as well as in policy development and endorsement in Europe and at global scale.

For project, programme and application details: https://www.plantsciences.uzh.ch/en/research/fellowships/response.html

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Co-funding of regional, national and international programmes (COFUND)

H2020-MSCA-COFUND-2018

“This program receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 847585”.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

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Postdoc in Energy Policy and Innovation

 

The Energy and Technology Policy Group at ETH Zurich, led by Tobias Schmidt, investigates questions related to the governance of energy transitions. Our interdisciplinary team with backgrounds in engineering, economics and political science offers an entrepreneurial research atmosphere at continental Europe’s leading research university.

Job description

We are looking for a postdoc with a keen research interest in energy innovation and its drivers, including public policy. The postdoc will contribute to research projects to be jointly defined and developed, as well as a project funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy called “EDGE - Enabling Decentralized renewable GEneration in the Swiss cities, midlands, and the Alps” (focussing on the (potential) effects of policies on new energy technologies).

We offer excellent working conditions and an internationally competitive salary according to ETH standards. Teaching and administrative duties are limited. We provide support for attending international conferences and workshops; we frequently collaborate with other academic and policy institutions (e.g., Carnegie Mellon, MIT, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, World Economic Forum, and the Swiss Federal Office for Energy). Our offices are located in downtown Zurich, and the working language is English. The appointment will be for two years, the starting date is negotiable.

Your profile

You hold a PhD (or you are close to completing a PhD) in innovation studies, (evolutionary) economics, or public policy with a science, technology, or innovation focus. Interdisciplinary candidates are welcome. You should be dedicated to scientifically rigorous work that at the same time is relevant to policy makers. Experience with quantitative methods is required (empirical, modelling, or both), experience with qualitative/mixed-method studies is a plus. Your working style is team-oriented and you have strong communication skills. You are highly proficient in English; further language skills (esp. national languages of Switzerland) are an additional asset.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application including the following documents:

• A letter of motivation
• CV
• your publication list
• a research statement giving an overview of your research interests and plans (1-2 pages)
• contact information of two references (no letters needed at this point)
• your graded university diplomas or transcripts
• a sample paper from your work

Application deadline Nov 12, 2021.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. 

Additional information about the Energy and Technology Policy Group can be found on our website. For further information, please contact Dr. Nicolas Schmid, email: nicolas.schmid@gess.ethz.ch (no application documents).

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Apply online now

PhD position: material failure prediction with physics-induced machine learning

 

The Chair of Computational Mechanics of Building Materials in the Institute for Building Materials and the Chair of Intelligent Maintenance Systems in the Institute of Construction & Infrastructure Management at ETH Zurich have an opening for a PhD student position in modeling material failure prediction with physics-induced neural networks.

Project background

The Chair of Computational Mechanics of Building Materials conducts research at the interface between mechanics, materials and scientific computing. Research activities are focused on modeling the link between micro- to meso-scale properties of engineering and biological materials and their macroscale mechanical performance. Various failure mechanisms, such as dynamic fracture and the onset of frictional sliding are at the center of our interests. The overall objectives are the development of numerical models in a high-performance computing framework, and their application in establishing a fundamental understanding of multiscale material mechanics.

The Chair of Intelligent Maintenance Systems focuses on developing intelligent algorithms to improve performance, reliability and availability of complex industrial assets and making the maintenance more cost efficient. Our research focuses on deep learning, domain adaptation, hybrid approaches (combing physical performance models and deep learning algorithms), and deep reinforcement learning. The data we are typically dealing with comprises heterogeneous multivariate time series data of different types, with different sampling rates and different degrees of uncertainties.

Job description

The PhD position will focus on the development of a physics-induced (graph) neural network framework applied to the prediction of the failure of complex materials with specific micro-mechanical structures. Prediction of material failure is a complex problem because it is largely affected by disorder in the microstructure. While the average material performance of a given microstructure is well described by homogenization techniques, the exact prediction for a specific material element is extremely challenging. The objective of this project is to develop a physics-induced machine learning approach based on (graph) neural networks and reinforcement learning algorithms to predict the overall strength of a given piece of material. The candidate will be responsible for the development of machine learning framework, its implementation, and validation with data from numerical simulations.

The position is available with starting dates as soon as possible.

Your profile

Prospective applicants should hold an MSc in an engineering, physics or a related discipline. The candidate should have a strong background in machine learning and deep learning with preferably a specialization on at least one of the following areas: graph neural networks, reinforcement learning and physics-informed neural networks. Additionally, experience in mechanics, material science, and numerical modeling with FEM or DEM is desired. The candidate is expected to be fluent in English, to show and maintain scientific integrity, and to have programming experience. The successful candidate shows enthusiasm for conducting original research and strives for scientific excellence.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application until the deadline of December 19, 2021 with the following documents:

• CV
• academic transcript/list of courses completed
• copy of your master thesis
• a brief statement describing your project idea relevant to the job description, making connection to your experience in this area and the related work from the literature
• name and contact details of two referees

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information please visit our websites www.ifb.ethz.ch/compmech/ and https://ims.ibi.ethz.ch/ or contact Prof. David Kammer by e-mail dkammer@ethz.ch (no applications).

Apply online now

PhD position in inertial sensor-based movement analysis for personalized therapeutic interventions in patients with Parkinson’s disease

 

The Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology of ETH Zurich is seeking a doctoral student for a project on personalized therapeutic interventions to improve gait and movement quality in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The position is fully funded by a recently awarded LOOP grant to Prof. Dr. Bill Taylor and the StimuLOOP research consortium.

Project background

About the lab:

The Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics and the Neuromuscular Biomechanics group specializes in the field of human movement science with approaches for assessing the quality of movement and functional performance. Our aim is to extract key information on an individual’s functional status and thereby lay the foundations for understanding and monitoring the degenerative changes that occur with musculoskeletal and neuromotor pathologies, but also the adaptation that results from ageing or rehabilitation. The development and validation of novel movement-based biomarkers has thereby enabled encompassing approaches to support clinical decision-making in the fields of gerontology, orthopaedics and neurology, but also opens perspectives on the objective assessment of both medical technologies and therapies alike.

About the project:

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological diseases in the elderly population and account for substantial disability and health care costs. Disability is largely driven by mobility deficits caused by impaired gait. Effective treatments to improve gait are available, but treatment response differs strongly between patients and often fails. This variability is caused by heterogeneity in disease and deficit phenotypes. Addressing this heterogeneity requires personalisation, a concept we refer to as precision neurorehabilitation.

With the StimuLOOP project, we want to introduce novel and highly personalized therapeutic interventions to improve gait and movement quality in PD patients, using state of the art technologies to provide real-time neurofeedback and enhance the consolidation of real-time learning through an innovative sleep intervention. Results from this project have strong implications for future research covering different deficits such as speech/language, cognition, arm function, and adaptive deep brain stimulation which will soon be technically possible and may be a major clinical improvement in Parkinson treatment.

Job description

We wish to recruit a PhD student to join our team and help us maximise the potential of our state-of-the-art wearable device (www.ZurichMOVE.com) and analytics for the comprehensive assessment of gait and movement characteristics in elderly subjects.

1. Lead and support the data collection in the project through testing and trials
2. Improve existing methods and develop new methods for the analysis of inertial-sensor data from both indoor movement tasks and real-world movement monitoring in both healthy and pathological populations. 
3. Contribute to the quantification of movement quality, in particular gait, to provide new and meaningful endpoints for clinical trials for personalizing therapeutic strategies in people with PD.
4. Build machine learning and statistical models to extract gait signatures from movement patterns to associate an individual’s quality of movement with their underlying neural damage and resulting motor deficit.
5. Supervise clinical measurements of movement using these technological developments in cohorts of PD subjects before and after neuro-rehabilitation therapy.

Your profile

Essential experience and characteristics:

1. Experience with developing computational algorithms for inertial sensor-based movement analysis is necessary for this position.
2. Good knowledge of statistics is required for quantitative reasoning and comparative analyses of cohort/subject specific data
3. Proficient oral and written English skills (indicated by proven ability to write scientific papers and deliver conference presentations). Proficiency in German is considered a bonus. Strong inter-personal and communication skills are a pre-requisite.
4. Experience with working in a biomechanics laboratory and handling motion capture systems, force plates, and processing software is a strong benefit, but not necessarily required.

The preferred starting date for this position is January 2022. The job will be located in and around Zürich, Switzerland.

Opportunities for personal growth:

1. Grow your skills: the position entails working within a high-level scientific laboratory with strong colleagues, scientific collaborators, and clinical partners.
2. Grow your academic career: mentor undergrad and grad students, grant writing, conference attendance and presentation, and network with experts within Zürich and worldwide.
3. Switzerland is endowed with an extraordinary variety of natural landscape (mountains, lakes, and rivers) to switch off after work and build your skills outside workplace.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application by 15th November 2021 including:

1. A letter outlining your motivation to
   1. undertake a PhD
   2. apply for this specific position and how it aligns with your research interests / career goals
   3. join the Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics and ETH Zurich
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Complete academic record with undergraduate and graduate courses and grades
4. Contact information of 2-3 potential referees

The selection committee will review all applications within 2-3 weeks after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Questions regarding the position should be directed by email to Mr. Deepak Ravi, deepak.ravi@hest.ethz.ch (no applications).

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Apply online now

Postdoctoral Researcher in Reinforcement Learning for Optimization

 

The Reliability and Risk Engineering Laboratory (RRE) within the Institute of Energy and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich is inviting applications for a post-doctoral researcher to work on the application of reinforcement learning in the domain of energy systems. This challenging project, requiring excellent machine learning and analytical skills, aims to explore the utilization reinforcement learning for complex optimization problems. The project is carried out at the RRE with potential for cooperation with other Labs within the ETH and partners from the Swiss industry. You will work in a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art computational infrastructure. This project will provide you with unique opportunities to develop a strong interdisciplinary portfolio in both machine learning and engineered systems and components.

Job description

Your main objectives will be to:

1. Calibrate highly complex physics-based models;
2. Solve scheduling optimization problems;
3. Identify optimum operation strategies for engineered systems.

The developed models will be validated against historical and experimental data. Moreover, the results of your work will be published into prominent scientific journals.

Your profile

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with excellent knowledge in machine learning and in particular reinforcement learning. The successful candidate has good programming skills, preferably Python and Matlab, and experience with tools like TensorFlow and Matlab’s Reinforcement Leaning Toolbox. Furthermore, the candidate has strong analytical skills, is proactive, self-driven with strong problem solving abilities and out-of-the-box thinking. Professional command of English (both written and spoken) is mandatory. You enjoy working in an interactive international environment with doctoral students and other post-docs.

To meet the requirements you should hold a PhD degree in a field related to computer/electrical engineering with excellent knowledge in machine/reinforcement learning or signal processing with experience in deep learning applications. Knowledge in optimization is beneficial.

You will receive an employment full-time contract and a competitive gross salary in accordance with ETH standards. Additionally, support for conference travel and research expenses will be available.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV
• A brief statement of research interests (1 page)
• Transcripts of all obtained degrees in English
• One publication (the one that you consider being most relevant to the position that you are applying for)
• Two reference contacts

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Reliability and Risk Engineering Laboratory can be found on our website www.rre.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Giovanni Sansavini, sansavig@ethz.ch or Dr. Blazhe Gjorgiev, gblazhe@ethz.ch (no applications).

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Apply online now

Postdoc Position – Phenotyping and Agroecology of Legume Crops

 The Crop Science Group of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at ETH Zürich invites applications for a 3-year Postdoc research position with the option of extension. Our research focuses on high-throughput crop phenotyping in the field. Our goal is to develop approaches for image-based solutions to the grand challenges of today’s crop production.

Project background

Increasing the share of legume crops cultivated for direct human consumption is an important societal demand for which research related to phenotyping, breeding and agronomy in crops such as soybean, pea and various pulses is required. Our group operates a unique rope camera system – the field phenotyping platform FIP (kp.ethz.ch/FIP) in Lindau-Eschikon, 20 km outside of Zürich. On this field site, but also in fields of national and international partners, we are monitoring the development of a wide range of crops with a focus on wheat and soybean. Our interdisciplinary group of Crop Science has research specialists and technicians in crop physiology, breeding and imaging. We are involved in a wide range of teaching and outreach activities and we offer courses such as ‘Crop Phenotyping’, ‘Crop Production’, ‘Alternative Crops’ and ‘Innovation in Smart Farming’. We have a wide range of collaborations with groups from the national center for agricultural research ‘Agroscope’, the technical University HAFL and with other national and international partners from robotics to social sciences.

Job description

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible to initiate and/or contribute to projects in phenotyping of soybean, peas and/or pulses. The researcher will make best use of the above described possibilities and opportunities. We expect that the postdoctoral researcher will

• Proactively develop approaches for ‘phenomic selection’ in breeding of legume crops
• Explore research options in agroecology, crop rotation and intercropping of legume crops
• Collaborate with research partners and companies in robotics, food and social sciences
• Supervise students from BSc to doctoral level and contribute to teaching of the group
• Publish manuscripts and engage in grant applications of the group
• Support public outreach activities of the group (website, social media, exhibitions)

Your profile

You should, by the time of appointment, have completed a PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Crop Physiology or a related field and you should have at least one first-author manuscript published in the fields of phenotyping or agroecology of legume crops. Moreover you have

• Experience with field phenotyping experiments
• Experience with legume crops
• Good programming and statistical modelling skills
• Sound knowledge of English is obligatory; German is highly recommended
• Good communication and time management skills as well as willingness to participate in a collaborative and multifaceted research environment.

A note: research indicates that women and individuals from marginalized groups tend to apply only when they meet all of the criteria. If you believe you’re qualified, but don’t necessarily check every box, please submit an application.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Motivational letter
• CV
• One-page research concept of your envisaged activities
• Copies of Master and PhD certificates
• Two reference letters (or at least contact details of two persons of reference)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

The position will remain open at least until November 30, 2021 and first interviews with candidates will be conducted in December. Further information about the group of Crop Science can be found on our website. In case of questions, please contact Prof. Achim Walter (achim.walter@usys.ethz.ch; no applications).

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Apply online now

PhD positions in Building Archaeology and Construction History

 

The Chair of Building Archaeology and Construction History, within the Institute of Construction History and Preservation (IDB), is a leading institution in the study of historical structures and construction techniques using state-of-the-art methods and technical resources. The chair is headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan M. Holzer.

We are offering two paid, full-​time (100%), 4-​year PhD positions (doctoral candidates) to start on February 1, 2022, or by appointment.

Job description

The positions offered refer to a third-party-funded research project on medieval stone arch bridges. Unlike medieval cathedrals or ancient Roman bridges, medieval bridges have received very little attention from Building Archaeology and Construction History so far, although bridges posed a comparable technical, organizational and financial challenge to medieval communities. The project will mainly focus on on-site building archaeology of the preserved fabric in order to identify the original parts and successive restauration phases, and to reconstruct the original design and building processes. State-of-the-art digital methods and processes will be applied to generate high-precision surveys, providing a basis for the analysis of traces and findings that may permit in-depth insight into the bridges’ construction history. The on-site studies will be complemented by archival research. Research activities will zoom in on some regions with a particularly dense bridge heritage, notably, Occitania and Central Italy.

The project provides funding for four years. It offers excellent working conditions in an international team and state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Doctoral candidates are involved in current research and teaching at the chair and thus gain first-hand experience of academic operations. Successful applicants will be employed 100% and will receive monthly salaries, based on the ETH standard rate.

Your profile

We are looking for outstanding applicants who are willing to develop new methods and ideas for researching, surveying and analysing historical structures, and who want to dedicate themselves to historical construction principles and techniques. We welcome architects, civil engineers, and scientists from related disciplines with a strong technical, historical or scientific background or interests in historical architecture and building practices. The research group aims to increase the number of women in scientific positions. Female candidates are therefore encouraged to apply.

Suitable candidates must hold a Master’s degree acquired at the university level in architecture, engineering, archaeology or related fields (MSc or MA). Upon successful admission, depending on the student’s academic background, the ETH administration office will evaluate if a candidate needs to take any additional qualifying exams at ETH during their first year of studies.

German and English are the official languages of our research group. However, for the planned project, very good knowledge of French or Italian is an advantage. Language certificates are therefore a welcome addition to the application documents, but are not officially required.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• a cover letter, stating the candidate’s motivation
• a detailed academic Curriculum Vitae (CV) with degrees and publication list (if applicable)
• a one-page (maximum) summary of the master thesis
• a two-​page (maximum) research statement (outline of main research interests)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Chair of Building Archaeology and Construction History can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Manuel Maissen by e-mail to maissen@arch.ethz.ch (no applications).

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Apply online now